Tactile information supply module

ABSTRACT

Provided is a tactile information supply module. The tactile information supply module includes a receiver for receiving message information from the outside, a controller for converting the message information into a tactile signal, and an operator for providing tactile information to a user based on the tactile signal, wherein the operator includes at least one tactile sensation provider comprising magnetic particles and a matrix material, and wherein the tactile sensation provider is transformed in response to an external magnetic field to provide the tactile information.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a tactile information supply moduleand, more particularly, to a tactile information supply module forconverting message information received from the outside, into a tactilesignal and providing tactile information using a variation in shape ofat least one tactile sensation provider comprising magnetic particlesand a matrix material, in response to an externally applied magneticfield.

BACKGROUND ART

Haptics refer to a technology about tactile sensation and, moreparticularly, to a technology for allowing a user of an electronicdevice to feel touch, forces, motion, etc. through a keyboard, a mouse,a joystick, a touchscreen, or the like. Although visual informationaccounted for most of the information exchanges between electronicdevices and people in the past, the haptic technology currently attractsattention with regard to providing more detailed and realisticinformation.

In general, an inertial actuator, a piezoelectric actuator, anelectroactive polymer (EAP) actuator, an electrostatic actuator, etc.are used for the haptic technology. Examples of the inertial actuatorinclude an eccentric motor that vibrates by an eccentric force generatedby the rotation of the motor, and a linear resonant actuator (LRA) thatmaximizes the vibrational intensity by resonant frequencies. Thepiezoelectric actuator is in the shape of a beam or a disk and is drivenby a piezoelectric element whose size or shape changes instantaneouslyin response to an electric field. The EAP actuator generates vibrationby repeated movements of a mass attached to an EAP film. Theelectrostatic actuator is driven by an attractive force generatedbetween two oppositely charged glass sheets and a repulsive forcegenerated when the glass sheets have charges with the same polarity.

However, the above-described conventional haptic technology is merelyused to provide simple vibration, and therefore has limitations forproviding emotional tactile sensation or complicated text information.Accordingly, research needs to be conducted on a tactile supplystructure capable of effectively providing emotion and complicatedinformation as well as simply providing vibration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Technical Problem

The present invention provides a tactile information supply modulecapable of emotionally providing various types of tactile information.

The present invention also provides a tactile information supply modulecapable of effectively providing not only a simple signal received froman external device, such as an alarm, but also complicated information,such as texts or geometric figures as tactile information using atactile unit configured in the form of at least one cell.

Technical Solution

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided atactile information supply module including a receiver for receivingmessage information from the outside, a controller for converting themessage information into a tactile signal, and an operator for providinga user with tactile information according to the tactile signal, whereinthe operator includes at least one tactile sensation provider comprisingmagnetic particles and a matrix material, and wherein the tactilesensation provider is transformed in response to an external magneticfield to provide the tactile information.

Advantageous Effects

According to the present invention, various types of tactile informationmay be provided emotionally.

Furthermore, not only a simple signal received from an external device,such as an alarm, but also complicated information, such as texts orgeometric figures may be effectively provided as tactile informationusing a tactile unit configured in the form of at least one cell.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a tactile information supply module according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates tactile information supply modules according to otherembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates the change of the shape of a tactile sensationprovider in response to an external magnetic field, according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates the process of providing a tactile sensation by atactile sensation provider in response to an external magnetic field,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates the process of providing a tactile sensation by atactile sensation provider in response to an external magnetic field,according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates various shapes of tactile sensation providers,according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an operator according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a tactile unit including aplurality of cells, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9 to 11 include perspective views and side elevational views oftactile sensation providers and operators according to other embodimentsof the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates the operation process of an operator, according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 13 to 15 illustrate the operation processes of an operator,according to other embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 16 to 18 illustrate examples wherein a tactile information supplymodule according to embodiments of the present invention is applied.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   -   1, 10, 20, 30, 40: Tactile sensation providers    -   50: Tactile information supply module    -   51: Receiver    -   52: Controller    -   53: Operator    -   60: Wearable device    -   100: Tactile unit    -   110: Cells    -   200: Magnetic field generator    -   210: Coil units

MODE OF THE INVENTION

The accompanying drawings, which show embodiments for illustrativepurposes only, will be referred to. The embodiments will be described insufficient detail for one of ordinary skill in the art to understand thepresent invention. It should be understood that various embodiments ofthe present invention may differ from each other but need not bemutually exclusive. For example, particular shapes, structures andcharacteristics disclosed herein may be embodied in other embodimentswithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.Furthermore, the position or arrangement of individual elements in eachembodiment disclosed herein may change without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the following detaileddescription is not intended to be restrictive, and the scope of thepresent invention is determined only by the accompanying claims alongwith equivalents of what is claimed by the claims, if properlyexplained. In the drawings, like reference numerals denote like elementsand lengths, areas, thicknesses or shapes may be exaggerated for thesake of convenience.

The following description is given of embodiments of the presentinvention with reference to the attached drawings in such a manner thatthe present invention can be easily carried out by one of ordinary skillin the art.

FIG. 1 illustrates a tactile information supply module 50 according toan embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the tactile information supply module 50 of thepresent invention may include a receiver 51, a controller 52, and anoperator 53. The tactile information supply module 50 may be usedindependently or attached to other devices, e.g., mobile devices such asa smartphones, wearable devices such as smart watches, or bracelets.

The receiver 51 may receive message information from the outside, andmay use any known data receiving device. The message information shouldbe understood to include not only image information such as texts,geometric figures, or symbol but also other information such as simplewarnings, alarms, or notice, which can be transferred over awired/wireless communication network.

The controller 52 may convert the message information the receiver 51received, into a tactile signal. The tactile signal is a control signalcapable of controlling each component of the operator 53, and should beunderstood to be a control signal for applying/removing a magnetic fieldto each of the plurality of cells 110 of a tactile unit 100, which willbe described below.

The operator 53 may provide a user with tactile information based on thetactile signal of the controller 52. Here, the tactile informationshould be understood to include not only tactile sensations such asvibration, brushing, constriction, beating, pressing, tapping, tilting,or tickling but also emotions, feelings, etc. transferred via tactilesensations (e.g., transferring the emotion of “love” via a tactilesensation generated by the shape of “

” or the feeling of “sadness” via a tactile sensation generated by theshape of “T_T”).

The operator 53 may be provided on the surface of the tactileinformation supply module 50 to directly provide tactile information toa user, or may be provided within the tactile information supply module50 to indirectly provide tactile information such as vibration ortapping to the user. FIG. 1 shows that the operator 53 has the shape ofa watch which can be worn on the wrist of a user such that tactileinformation can be provided through the inner circumferential surface ofthe watch band that contacts the user. Of course, the operator 53 may beprovided on the whole or part of the inner circumferential surface ofthe watch band. Besides, the shape of the operator 53 is not restrictedas long as it is within the object of at least part of the operator 53contacting a user and providing tactile information for the user. Forexample, the tactile information supply module 50 may be in the shape ofa bracelet, a ring, an accessory, or clothing as well as a band suchthat tactile information is provided from the part that contacts a user.

FIG. 2 illustrates tactile information supply modules 50′ and 50″according to other embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the tactile information supply module 50′ mayinclude a plurality of operators 53: 53 a to 53 d or 53 e to 53 h. Eachof the operators 53 a to 53 d or 53 e to 53 h may be provided atdifferent locations. For example, in the tactile information supplymodule 50′ in the form of a band worn on the wrist, one operator 53 maycontact the upper part of the wrist, the other operator 53 may contactthe lower part of the wrist, and another operator 53 may contact a sideof the wrist, thereby providing tactile information.

In addition, the operators 53 a to 53 d or 53 e to 53 h may providedifferent types of tactile information (e.g., vibration, brushing,constriction, beating, pressing, tapping, tilting, tickling, etc.).

In the tactile information supply module 50′ in (a) of FIG. 2 accordingto an embodiment, the operators 53 a to 53 d may have different shapes(e.g., a rectangle, a triangle, a circle, etc.) and provide varioustypes of tactile information.

In the tactile information supply module 50″ illustrated in (b) of FIG.2 according to another embodiment, each of the operators 53 e to 53 hmay operate to respond to a person or a group who sent messageinformation. For example, the operators 53 e is made to correspond tothe father, the operator 53 f to the mother, the operator 53 g to thelover, and the operator 53 h to a friend such that, when a person or agroup sends message information, only the corresponding operator 53 e,53 f, 53 g or 53 h may provide tactile information.

Furthermore, the operator 53 e may be configured to provide tactileinformation when phone calls are coming, the operator 53 f may beconfigured to provide tactile information when text messages arereceived, the operator 53 g may be configured to provide tactileinformation when an emails are received, and the operator 53 h may beconfigured to provide tactile information to let a user know the alarmtime. In addition, each of the operators 53: 53 a to 53 d or 53 e to 53h may be variously configured to correspond to particular functions.

Meanwhile, when the tactile information supply module 50 is usedindependently, i.e. without being attached to wearable devices, mobiledevices, or the like, the tactile information supply module 50 mayfurther include a power supply (not shown) that supplies electric powerto the receiver 51, the controller 52, and the operator 53.

Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given of the way the tactileinformation supply module 50 of the present invention provides tactileinformation.

FIG. 3 illustrates the change of the shape of a tactile sensationprovider in response to an external magnetic field, according to anembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the tactile sensation provider 1 may includemagnetic particles, e.g., nano- or micro-scale iron (Fe), cobalt (Co),nickel (Ni), or ferrite particles, and a matrix material, e.g., rubberor a polymeric material.

Alternatively, the tactile sensation provider 1 may be in the shape ofat least one of fine projections 10 (see FIG. 4), empty cylinders 20(see FIG. 5), polyhedrons, domes, plates 30 (see FIG. 9), leaf springs,seesaws (see FIG. 10), and tunnels 40 (see FIG. 11).

For example, to supply tactile information, the tactile sensationproviders 1 may include a magnetorheological elastomer (MRE). The MRE isan elastomer material including particles that are capable of respondingto an external magnetic field. Since the elastomer material includesmagnetic particles such as iron (Fe) that are capable of beingmagnetized in response to an external magnetic field, thecharacteristics of the MRE, e.g., stiffness, tensile strength, andelongation rate, may be changed by the application of the externalmagnetic field.

The tactile sensation providers 1 may have different shapes in responseto the influence of an external magnetic field.

Referring to (a) of FIG. 3, when a plurality of tactile sensationproviders 1 is not influenced by an external magnetic field (Off State),in other words, when a magnetic field is not generated by a coil unit210 (see FIG. 7), which is described below, of the magnetic fieldgenerator 200, the plurality of tactile sensation providers 1 may have afirst shape 10 a or 20 a (See FIGS. 4 and 5).

Referring to (b) of FIG. 3, when part of the plurality of tactilesensation providers 1 is influenced by an external magnetic field (LocalOn State), in other words, when a magnetic field is generated by thecoil unit 210 (see FIG. 7), which is described below, of the magneticfield generator 200, the part of the plurality of tactile sensationproviders 1 may have a second shape 10 b or 20 b (See FIGS. 4 and 5).

FIG. 4 illustrates the process of providing tactile information by atactile sensation provider 1 in response to an external magnetic field,according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 illustratesthe process of providing a tactile information by a tactile sensationprovider 1 in response to an external magnetic field, according toanother embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 illustratesvarious shapes of a tactile sensation provider, according to embodimentsof the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the tactile sensation provider 1 may be in theshape of a fine projection 10. The thickness of the fine projection 10may be equal to or smaller than about 25 μm, similar to the fleece of asheep, or may be equal to or smaller than about 100 μm, similar to humanhair, to provide tactile information precisely and emotionally

As shown in (a) of FIG. 4, when not influenced by an external magneticfield, the fine projection 10 may remain slightly inclined (or the firstshape 10 a). Alternatively, the fine projection 10 may remain straightand vertical without inclination. Then, as shown in (b) of FIG. 4, wheninfluenced by an external magnetic field, the fine projection 10 mayremain further inclined or even horizontal (or the second shape 10 b).Then, as shown in (c) and (d) of FIG. 4, when not affected by theexternal magnetic field after the application of the magnetic field isceased, the fine projection 10 may return from the second shape 10 b tothe first shape 10 a and produce a reciprocating motion 10 c and 10 d byits own elastic force (or restoring force). Accordingly, a tactileinformation similar to brushing or tickling may be transferred by thefine projection 10 c and 10 d moving in the reciprocating motion.

Referring to FIG. 5, the tactile sensation provider 1 may be in theshape of an empty cylinder 20, a dome or a polyhedron 20′ (see (b) ofFIG. 6). (a) of FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the tactile sensationprovider 1 in the shape of the cylinder 20, and (b) of FIG. 5 is avertical cross-sectional view of the tactile sensation provider 1 in theshape of the cylinder 20.

When not influenced by an external magnetic field, the empty cylinder 20may have a top surface 21, which is flat (or a first shape 20 a) asindicated by {circle around (1)}. Then, when influenced by an externalmagnetic field, the top surface 21 of the cylinder 20 may subside intothe empty internal space (or a second shape 20 b) as indicated by{circle around (2)}. Then, when not affected by the external magneticfield after the application of the magnetic field is ceased, thecylinder 20 may return from the second shape 20 b to the first shape 20a and produce a reciprocating motion 20 c and 20 d by its own elasticforce (or restoring force), as indicated by {circle around (3)} and{circle around (4)}. Accordingly, a tactile information similar totapping may be transferred by the cylinder 20 c and 20 d moving in thereciprocating motion.

At least one of the degree (amount), direction, and frequency of thetransformation from the first shape 10 a or 20 a to the second shape 10b or 20 b of the tactile sensation provider 1 can be controlled bycontrolling at least one of the intensity, direction and frequency of amagnetic/electric field generated by the magnetic field generator 200(See FIG. 7). For example, if a stronger magnetic field is applied, thefine projections 10 will be inclined more or the top surface 21 of thecylinder 20 will subside more, thereby transferring stronger tactileinformation. Furthermore, if the frequency of the magnetic field ischanged, the speed of transformation of the fine projections 10 or thecylinder 20 from the first shape 10 a or 20 a to the second shape 10 bor 20 b and then back to the first shape 10 a or 20 a also changes,thereby transferring various types of tactile information.

Referring to FIG. 6, the tactile sensation provider 1 may have variousshapes other than the fine projection 10, the empty cylinder 20, a domeand the polyhedron 20′.

(1) (a) of FIG. 6 shows the empty cylinder 20, (2) (b) of FIG. 6 showsan empty hexahedron 20′ (or polyhedron 20′), (3) (c) of FIG. 6 shows theempty cylinder 20 with a top surface wherein micro-holes 25 areprovided, capable of increasing the durability of the tactile sensationprovider 1 by allowing air to smoothly enter and exit through themicro-holes 25 while the top surface moves in the reciprocating motion20 c and 20 d, (4) (d) of FIG. 6 shows a combined shape of the fineprojections 10 and the empty cylinder 20, (5) (e) of FIG. 6 shows ashape identical to the shape of (d) of FIG. 7, except that a pluralityof micro-holes 25 are provided in the top surface of the cylinder 20,(6) (f) of FIG. 6 shows a shape identical to the shape of (c) of FIG. D,except that a plurality of micro-holes 25 are provided, (7) (g) of FIG.6 shows the empty cylinder 20 with a top surface wherein variousstructures 26 (e.g., empty cylinders smaller than the cylinder 20) arecombined, and (8) (h) of FIG. 6 shows the empty cylinder 20 with a topsurface wherein dome-shaped embossed structures 27 are provided.

As described above, according to the present invention, various types oftactile information such as brushing, tickling, tapping, etc. may betransferred in multiple ways by configuring the tactile sensationprovider 1 in various shapes.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the operator 53 according toan embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a perspective viewof a tactile unit 100 including a plurality of cells 110, according toan embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, the operator 53 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention includes the tactile unit 100 and the magnetic fieldgenerator 200 and the tactile unit 100 includes at least one tactilesensation provider 1.

The tactile unit 100 is the part that actually contacts the user of thetactile information supply module and transfer tactile information. Thetactile unit 100 may include at least one cell 110. The size of the cell110 may be appropriately determined in consideration of the size of thetactile unit 100, the resolution of tactile information to betransferred, etc.

The cell 110 may include at least one tactile sensation provider 1. Thecell 110 may include one or more types of the tactile sensation provider1. Furthermore, like the operator 53′ shown in FIG. 8, each cell 110 mayinclude various types of the tactile sensation providers 1, e.g., thefine projections 10, the empty cylinders 20, etc.

The magnetic field generator 200 may generate a magnetic field andinclude at least one coil unit 210. It is preferable that the magneticfield generator 200 is provided under the tactile unit 100 and each coilunit 210 (or each cell 110′ including the coil unit 210) corresponds toeach cell 110 of the tactile unit 100. However, the magnetic fieldgenerator 200 may be provided at locations other than under the tactileunit 100 as long as it is within a range in which each coil unit 210 canapply a magnetic field to its corresponding cell 110.

When a magnetic field is generated by one coil unit 210, at least onetactile sensation provider 1 provided on the cell 110 that correspondsto the coil unit 210 may be transformed from the first shape 10 a to thesecond shape 10 b. When the magnetic field generated by the coil unit210 is dissipated, the tactile sensation provider 1 on the cell 110corresponding to the coil unit 210 return from the second shape 10 b tothe first shape 10 a.

FIGS. 9 to 11 include perspective views and side elevational views oftactile sensation providers and operators according to other embodimentsof the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, the tactile unit 100 may include plate-shapedtactile sensation providers 1: 30 and supporters 31 formed integrallywith the tactile sensation providers 30 on each side of the tactilesensation providers 30 and having a curved shape. Alternatively,referring to FIG. 10, the tactile unit 100 may include plate-shapedtactile sensation providers 1: 30 and supporters 32 formed integrallywith the tactile sensation providers 30 on each side of the tactilesensation providers 30 and having a wave shape.

Herein, the supporters 31 and 32 may be understood as componentsprovided between the tactile sensation providers 1: 30 and the magneticfield generator 200 to ensure operating space for the tactile sensationproviders 1. The supporters 31 and 32 may be MREs.

A plurality of tactile sensation providers 1 and supporters 31 and 32may define at least one cell, and a plurality of cells may be disposedon an insulator 130 at equal distances from each other. The coil units210 of the magnetic field generator 200 may be provided as a singlelayer or multiple layers 211 and 212.

Referring to (b) of FIG. 9, the tactile sensation providers 1 and thesupporters 31 may move up and down and produce a reciprocating motioninvolving a change in shape (first and second shapes) in response to amagnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator 200. The changein shape may cause the movement of one or all the cells, therebytransferring tactile sensations such as tapping to a user. Here, thetactile sensation provider 1 may be in the shape of a plurality oflaminated leaf spring rather than the plate shape.

Referring to (b) of FIG. 10, in response to a magnetic field generatedby the magnetic field generator 200, the supporters 32 made of an MREmay be transformed and, like a seesaw, one end of the tactile sensationprovider 1 may tilt toward the center of the magnetic field generator200 (a second shape). When no magnetic field is generated by themagnetic field generator 200, the supporters 32 may return to theoriginal shape (a first shape) by their own elastic force. That is, byapplying a magnetic field to one or all the cells, various types oftactile sensations such as vibration, beating, tapping, and tilting maybe transferred to a user.

Referring to FIG. 11, the tactile unit 100 includes tactile sensationproviders 1: 40 having a tunnel shape and internal oval spaces. When amagnetic field is generated by the magnetic field generator 200, thetactile sensation providers 1 made of an MRE may be transformed and oneend of the tactile sensation provider 1 may move toward the center ofthe magnetic field generator 200 (a second shape). When no magneticfield is generated by the magnetic field generator 200, the tactilesensation providers 1 may return to the original shape (a first shape)by their own elastic force. That is, by applying a magnetic field to oneor all the cells, various types of tactile sensations such as pinchingand constriction may be transferred to a user.

FIG. 12 illustrates the operation process of the operator 53, accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to (a) of FIG. 12, magnetic fields are not yet applied tocells A1 to C3 on the tactile unit 100. Accordingly, all the fineprojections 10 on the tactile unit 100 may maintain the first shape 10a.

Then, referring to (b) of FIG. 12, magnetic fields are applied to cellsA1 to C3 on the tactile unit 100 and therefore all the fine projections10 on the tactile unit 100 may maintain the second shape 10 b.

Referring to (c) of FIG. 12, when only the magnetic field applied by thecoil unit 210 positioned corresponding to cell A1 is ceased, only thefine projections 10 on cell A1 may return to the first shape 10 a andproduce the reciprocating motion 10 c and 10 d by their own elasticforce (or restoring force).

Referring to (d) of FIG. 12, when the magnetic field applied by the coilunit 210 positioned corresponding to cell A2 is ceased, only the fineprojections 10 on cell A2 may return to the first shape 10 a and producethe reciprocating motion 10 c and 10 d by their own elastic force (orrestoring force). The reciprocating motion of the fine projections 10 oncell A1 may be weakened compared to that of the fine projections 10 oncell A2.

Referring to (e) of FIG. 12, when the magnetic field applied by the coilunit 210 positioned corresponding to cell A3 is also released, only thefine projections 10 on cell A3 may return to the first shape 10 a andproduce the reciprocating motion 10 c and 10 d by their own elasticforce (or restoring force). The reciprocating motion of the fineprojections 10 on cell A2 may be weakened compared to that of the fineprojections 10 on cell A3. At the same time, a magnetic field may beapplied again by the coil unit 210 positioned corresponding to cell A1such that the fine projections 10 on cell A1 may maintain the secondshape 10 b.

If the application of magnetic fields are sequentially done and ceasedto cells A1 and C3 as described above, the fine projections 10 on cellsA1 to C3 may be transformed from the first shape 10 a to the secondshape 10 b and then produce the reciprocating motion 10 c and 10 d whilereturning from the second shape 10 b to the first shape 10 a, therebyproviding the user of the tactile information supply module with tactileinformation that is transferred sequentially from cell A1 to cell C3.

FIGS. 13 to 15 illustrate the operation processes of the operator 53,according to other embodiments of the present invention. FIGS. 13 and 14illustrate the operation process of the controller 52 and the operator53 to provide the Korean character “

” as tactile information, and FIG. 15 illustrates the operation processof the controller 52 and the operator 53 to provide the symbol “

” as tactile information.

The tactile information supply module 50 of the present invention mayconvert message information (text type information) received from theoutside, into tactile information and then provide the tactileinformation. The following description assumes that the tactile unit 100includes a plurality of cells 110, i.e. cell A1 to cell E5, in a 5×5matrix.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, when the receiver 51 receives messageinformation in the form of the Korean character “

” from the outside, the controller 52 may convert the messageinformation into a tactile signal (or a control signal). The tactilesignal is a signal for controlling the plurality of cells 110 of thetactile unit 100. The tactile signal that corresponds to the Koreancharacter “

” is a signal for controlling cells A2, A3, A4, B2, C2, C3, C4, D3, E2,E3, and E4 (see (a) of FIG. 13).

The controller 52 may control the coil units 210 that correspond tocells A2, A3, A4, B2, C2, C3, C4, D3, E2, E3, and E4 to simultaneouslyapply/remove a magnetic field such that the tactile sensation providers1 on cells A2, A3, A4, B2, C2, C3, C4, D3, E2, E3, and E4 aresimultaneously transformed and produce the reciprocating motion 10 a to10 d or 20 a to 20 d. Therefore, the tactile information supply module50 may provide the user with the Korean character “

” as tactile information in a similar manner to braille.

Alternatively, as illustrated in (b) of FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, if magneticfields are sequentially applied to and then removed from cellsA2→A3→A4→A3→A2→B2→C2→C3→C4→C3→D3→E3→E2→E3→E4, the tactile sensationproviders 1 on the cells may be sequentially transformed from the firstshape 10 a or 20 a to the second shape 10 b or 20 b and then to thefirst shape 10 a or 20 a to produce the reciprocating motion 10 c and 10d or 20 c and 20 d, such that the Korean character “

” may be provided to the user of the tactile information supply module50 as tactile information in a similar manner to handwriting.

Furthermore, the tactile information supply module 50 of the presentinvention may convert message information (symbol type information)received from the outside, into tactile information and then provide thetactile information. The following description assumes that the tactileunit 100 includes a plurality of cells 110, i.e. cell A1 to cell E5, ina 5×5 matrix.

Referring to FIG. 15, the receiver 51 may receive message information inthe form of the symbol “

” from the outside. The sender may send the message information of “

” by directly inputting the symbol “

” or inputting the words that can suggest the symbol “

”, e.g., “heart” or “love”. The controller 52 may convert the messageinformation into a tactile signal (or a control signal), whichcorresponds to the symbol “

”. The tactile signal corresponding to the symbol “

” is a signal for controlling cells A2, A4, B1, B3, B5, 01, C5, D2, D4,and E3 (see (a) of FIG. 15). In other words, even when the sender doesnot directly input the symbol “

”, if the message information is “heart” or “love” preregistered in thecontroller 52, the controller 52 may convert the message informationinto a tactile signal (or a control signal), which corresponds to thesymbol “

” and then provide tactile information.

The controller 52 may control the coil units 210 that correspond tocells A2, A4, B1, B3, B5, 01, C5, D2, D4, and E3 to simultaneouslyapply/remove a magnetic field such that the tactile sensation providers1 on cells A2, A4, B1, B3, B5, 01, C5, D2, D4, and E3 are simultaneouslytransformed and produce the reciprocating motion 10 a to 10 d or 20 a to20 d. Therefore, the tactile information supply module 50 may providethe user with the symbol “

” as tactile information in a similar manner to braille.

Alternatively, as illustrated in (b) of FIG. 15, if magnetic fields aresequentially applied to and then removed from cellsB3→A2→B5→C5→D4→E3→D2→C1→B1→A2, the tactile sensation providers 1 on thecells may be sequentially transformed from the first shape 10 a or 20 ato the second shape 10 b or 20 b and then back to the first shape 10 aor 20 a to produce the reciprocating motion 10 c and 10 d or 20 c and 20d, such that the symbol “

” may be provided to the user of the tactile information supply module50 as tactile information in a similar manner to handwriting.

Furthermore, in association with independent applications, shapes drawnwith a pen in real time may be received as message information and thenprovided as tactile information, thereby providing more complicatedtactile information effectively.

FIGS. 16 to 18 illustrate examples wherein the tactile informationsupply module 50, according to embodiments of the present invention isapplied.

Referring to FIG. 16, the tactile information supply module 50 may beconnected to a wearable device 60 such as a smart watch, a mobiledevice, etc. FIG. 16 illustrates the tactile information supply module50′ having a curvature similar to the curvature of a band 65 of thewearable device 60. The tactile information supply module 50′ may beconnected to a rear surface of a body 61 and the tactile sensationproviders 1 may contact the user. The tactile information supply module50′ may be integrally provided with the wearable device 60, or may havea receiver 51 in the form of a terminal and be connected to the wearabledevice 60 through the terminal. Although the receiver 51′, thecontroller 52′, and the operator 53′ are shown to be sequentiallyassembled to configure the tactile information supply module 50′ in FIG.16, each of the components may be separately connected to the wearabledevice 60.

FIG. 17 shows an example in which a couple exchanges tactile informationusing the tactile information supply module 50 of FIG. 16. When the maninputs “

” through the wearable device 60 or an application of a mobile device,the receiver 51 included in the wearable device 60 of the woman mayreceive the message information that corresponds to the symbol “

” and the controller 52 may convert the message information into atactile signal (or a control signal), thereby providing “

” as tactile information (tactile sensations) such as braille,handwriting, vibration, etc. The woman (i.e. the recipient) mayimmediately receive the message information sent by the man (i.e. thesender) even when she cannot directly operate the wearable device 60,for example, when she is in crowded public transportation or duringexercise.

Referring to FIG. 18, the tactile information supply module 50 of thepresent invention may be used for visually impaired and blind people.When text messages or phone calls are received, tactile information maybe provided in the form of handwriting, braille, or the like. Inaddition, in association with applications providing directionalinformation, visually impaired and blind people can receive directionalsignals S such as go straight, turn left, turn right, or “crosswalkahead”, etc. when they walk on the street. Here, it will be beneficialthat signals correspond to the plurality of operators 53, respectively.In addition, warning signals S, cautionary signals S, etc. may beprovided as tactile information through, for example, a strongvibration.

Conventional text information providing devices for visually impairedand blind people have the disadvantages that they are heavy and large,provide braille information only, and the user must touch their devicesfor recognition of information or operation. However, the tactileinformation supply module 50 of the present invention is based onmagnetic particles and a matrix material and therefore is light andflexible and thus may be used in flexible devices or wearable devices.In addition, the tactile information supply module 50 of the presentinvention is capable of providing various types of information includingtexts and geometric figures such as handwriting as well as brailleinformation. Furthermore, the tactile information supply module 50 ofthe present invention is capable of providing external information astactile information in real time without being touched by a user.

In addition to the above examples, the tactile information supply module50 of the present invention may be applied to provide real-time tactileinformation for mobile devices, touchscreen devices, online games etc.in the information technology (IT) field, applied to driver assistanceinformation feedback systems such as lane departure warning systems,front crash prevention systems, and overspeed protection systems, etc.in the car industry, and also applied to pulsimeters, measurement of thepressure distribution in human teeth, surgical robots, etc. in themedical field to transfer tactile sensations effectively.

Although the tactile sensation providers 1 are made of a materialincluding the magnetic particles 2, a representative example of which isa magnetorheological elastomer (MRE), in the above description, thetactile sensation providers 1 may also be made of an electrorheologicalelastomer (ERE) and may operate equivalently by applying an externalelectric field by an electric field generator instead of the magneticfield generator 200. The ERE includes polarizable, piezoelectricparticles in an elastomer and its characteristics such as stiffness maychange in response to an externally applied electric field, which issimilar to MREs.

An electric field generator (not shown) may generate an electric fieldand include at least one electrode unit (not shown). The electric fieldgenerator may be provided under the tactile unit 100 and the electrodeunits (not shown) may respectively correspond to the cells 110 of thetactile unit 100. Alternatively, a lower electrode (not shown) may beprovided under the tactile unit 100, and an upper electrode (not shown),a film having an electrode pattern, or the like may be provided on theupper part or surface of the tactile unit 100. In addition, the positionof the electric field generator (not shown) may vary as long as it iswithin the object that the electrode units (not shown) are respectivelycapable of applying electric fields to the cells 110 correspondingthereto.

As described above, according to the present invention, various types oftactile information may be more emotionally provided using various typesof the tactile sensation providers 1.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, not only a simplevibration signal received from the outside, such as an alarm, but alsocomplicated information, which corresponds to the cells 110, such astexts or geometric figures, may be provided as tactile information usingthe tactile unit 100 configured in the form of the cells 110. Inaddition, information such as text may be transferred to a location thatcontacts a user's skin, thereby effectively transferring secretinformation that is to be protected.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and describedwith reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by one ofordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details maybe made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the following claims. The embodiments should beconsidered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined not by thedetailed description of the invention but by the following claims, andall differences within the scope will be construed as being included inthe present invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving messageinformation; transforming the message information into a tactile signal;and actuating an operator to provide tactile information according tothe tactile signal, wherein the operator includes at least one tactilesensation provider comprising polarizable particles and a matrixmaterial, and wherein the tactile sensation provider provides thetactile information by being transformed in response to an externalelectric field.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the matrix material ismade of rubber or a polymer.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein theoperator further comprises: a tactile unit that contacts a user; and anelectric field generator for applying an electric field to the tactileunit, wherein the at least one tactile sensation provider is connectedto the tactile unit.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the tactile unitincludes at least one cell, and wherein the electric field generator isdisposed under the tactile unit.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein theelectric field generator includes at least one coil unit thatcorresponds to the cell.
 6. The method of claim 3, wherein the tactilesensation provider maintains a first shape when not influenced by theelectric field, and wherein the tactile sensation provider maintains asecond shape when influenced by the electric field.
 7. The method ofclaim 6, wherein at least one of a degree, a direction, and a frequencyof the transformation from the first shape to the second shape iscontrolled by controlling at least one of an intensity, a direction, anda frequency of the electric field generated by the electric fieldgenerator.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the tactile sensationprovider is in a shape of at least one of a fine projection, an emptycylinder, a dome, a polyhedron, a plate, a leaf spring, a seesaw and atunnel.
 9. The method of claim 6, wherein the tactile sensation providerreturns from the second shape to the first shape and produces areciprocating motion by elastic force, thereby transferring the tactileinformation.
 10. The method of claim 4, wherein the message informationcomprises a text, a geometric figure, a symbol, a warning, an alarm, ornotice, and wherein the operator provides the tactile information bysequentially or simultaneously applying/removing the electric fieldto/from each of the cells according to the tactile signal.
 11. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the operator includes a plurality ofoperators, wherein the plurality of the operators provides differenttypes of tactile information.